Wireless and Optical Communications MSc

This MSc covers the key technologies required for the physical layer of broadband communications systems. The programme unites concepts across both radio and optical communication to give students a better understanding of the technical challenges they will face in engineering the rapid development of the broadband communications infrastructure. There is exceptionally strong industry demand for engineers with this skill base.

Key Information

Modes and duration

Full-time: 1 year

Tuition Fees (2015/16)

UK/EU:

£10,765 (FT)

Overseas:

£22,350 (FT)

Application deadlines

All applicants:

31 July 2015

Entry Requirements

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

English Language Requirements

If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.

International students

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below.

Select your country:

International equivalencies

Degree Information

This MSc provides training in the key technologies required for the physical layer of photonic, wireless and wired communications systems and other applications of this technology, ranging from THz imaging to Radar systems. The programme encompasses the complete system design from device fabrication and properties through to architectural and functional aspects of the subsystems that are required to design and build complete communication systems.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of five core modules (75 credits), three optional modules (45 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

Options

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of approximately 12,000 words.

Teaching and Learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of formal lectures, laboratory and workshop sessions, seminars, tutorials and project work. All of the programme lecturers carry out leading research in the subjects they are teaching. Student performance is assessed through unseen written examination, coursework, design exercises and the dissertation.

Funding

Scholarships relevant to this department are displayed below. For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

Careers

Rapid growth of the internet and multimedia communications has led to an unprecedented demand for broadband communication systems. There is exceptionally strong industry demand for engineers with this skills base and a clear shortage of supply. First destinations of recent graduates include electrical and technical engineers at companies including Société Générale and Ericsson

Top career destinations for this degree

Technical Consultant, China Mobile (2012)

Test Engineer, Alpine Electronics (2011)

Employability

The programme provides a package of broad knowledge from devices to signal processing theory and techniques, to network architecture, planning and optimisation in the areas of wireless and optical communications networks. This equips the students with expertise suitable for pursuing careers as engineers, consultants and system architects in wireless optical communications. A considerable number of graduates also stay in the education sector for research and teaching.

Why study this degree at UCL?

UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering is one of the most highly rated electronic engineering research departments in the UK. It is the oldest in England, founded in 1885 with Professor Sir Ambrose Fleming (the inventor of the thermionic valve and the left-hand and right-hand rules) as the first head of department.

Our research and teaching ethos is based on understanding the fundamentals and working at the forefront of technology development. We cover a wide range of areas from materials and devices to photonics, radar, optical and wireless systems, electronics and medical electronics, and communications networks.

Application and next steps

Applications

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

Who can apply?

The programme is suitable for graduates in electronic engineering and physics who wish to train in this fast growing industry, and is also designed to offer courses which the industry can use for specialised training of existing employees.